How C-2 zoning could make or break Columbia

Most of downtown Columbia is zoned for "central business." But the same zone that lets developers build small boutiques with loft apartments lets in huge, disruptive housing complexes like the Brookside Apartments.

The way a city zones property is part of the planning process. It's about the way a city sees itself--or the way it wants to see itself. But the C-2 zone is a mess. City Council member Barbara Hoppe calls it the "wild west" of zoning because there are so few restrictions on what it allows.

The vast majority of downtown Columbia is zoned "C-2"

Credit www.gocolumbiamo.com

How did downtown zoning get this way? Is anyone doing anything about it? Should anyone do anything about it?

We answer these questions and break the whole issue down in this week's episode of CoMo Explained.

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25:54

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CoMo Explained is a weekly podcast from the KBIA newsroom that breaks down local issues vital to Columbia. Let us show you why the news matters.

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Supporters of Barbara Hoppe congratulated her for her victory in the 6th ward council race at her watch party in downtown Columbia. After hearing the final results, Hoppe said her victory shows what kind of campaign the citizens want.